Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientist

LIsa Black

Cape Coral, FL

Female, 49

I spent the five happiest years of my life in a morgue. As a forensic scientist in the Cleveland coroner’s office I analyzed gunshot residue on hands and clothing, hairs, fibers, paint, glass, DNA, blood and many other forms of trace evidence, as well as crime scenes. Now I'm a certified latent print examiner and CSI for a police department in Florida. I also write a series of forensic suspense novels, turning the day job into fiction. My books have been translated into six languages.

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Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Best Rated

I'm writing a short story and would like to know what a body would decompose like after being left unburied in a forest in January, heavy snowfall, and discovered in February? Thank you so much!

Asked by rose about 7 years ago

I'm not an expert in that particular aspect, but I know from experience that it will make a big difference if the area was continuously frozen as opposed to freezing, then thawing, then freezing again and so on. If it was continuously frozen there might not be too much decomposition at all. If it freezes and thaws continuously then it could be quite decomposed, especially if its not covered with anything like dirt or even leaves. Plus under those circumcstances I would expect a lot more animal activity.

I played a video game recently that had two murderers - separate murders - freeze their respective victims' bodies to throw off the time of death. Does that actually work? If so, how long does it take to unfreeze?

Asked by R-Mod over 7 years ago

Changing the ambient temperature either up or down and then changing it back will affect a pathologist's estimate of time of death because they usually take that into consideration. I couldn't guess how long it would take it to unfreeze, but at room temperature I would think several hours at a minimum.

What's one of the weirdest cases you've worked?

Asked by Emily almost 8 years ago

Unfortunately I can't really discuss that on a public forum. And they're all weird, in their way.

What are the best colleges in Minnesota for forensics? I want a 4 year, if possible.

Asked by Sarah over 7 years ago

I'm afraid I wouldn't have any idea. Call your local crime labs and ask their personnel for suggestions.

As a Forensic Scientist, are you legally exempt from being a Juror?

Asked by Ahmed Jordan Ezz Jr. over 7 years ago

This may vary by county or state, but I am not because I'm a civilian employee and not a sworn officer.

Lisa thanks you for responding. Yes there are many variables in this but what Iam asking is : If you had to take a measure of amount of blood that was on human skin , how would you?

Asked by Rodger over 7 years ago

I'm sorry but I really don't know.

Could I ask you some questions for a school project?

Asked by ssosiak1 about 7 years ago

Sure, email me at Lisa-Black@live.com